A dated, although highly intersting and entertaining account of the author's experience of learning to fly private airplanes in the late 1950s. For the modern pilot, it provides a great sense of perspective on the simpler days of aviation, and a wonderful reminder of why many of us learned to fly in the first place. For the individual considering taking flying lessons, while much of the technical information is outdated, the book's anecdotes and narrative still serve as a solid primer of what to expect as you become a private pilot.

I was 9 years old when my dentist gave me this book to read. I remember laying on my bed at home and reading, mapping, and plotting out his aviation happenings. Such excitment... This book helped me earn my Private Pilots License in 1968...It gave me dreams...goals... and a passion. I have now passed the 14,000 flight hour mark and am a Captain with a major airline. A tad different way of flying now-a-days.. I have this book on my shelf to remind me how I got here.
Thank you Mr. Smith. :)

This is a wonderful book written in the late 1950's about a businessman looking for a hobby, who instead finds a lifestyle. Yes, the avionics are a little dated, but this charming story will lure you to the skies by helping you to understand fears and misconceptions about general aviation (small planes). I know, because I got my license after reading this book in 1984, and started a successful aerial photography business. If you're thinking of learning to fly you'll have a hard time putting this entertaining and well written book down.

The author gives a highly entertaining tale of his experiences in general aviation, beginning with his flying lessons as a middle aged practicing attorney to his many trips to far away destinations and his eventual upgrading to faster and bigger planes. Most of us who own airplanes and read this book will identify with Frank. Once you start the book you will not put it down.

I was let down to see that such an intriguing book had only one review. I, having read this book at age 11, still enjoy this great story of the power of flight. My dreams of flying are somewhat as those of a New England attorny. But once he is behind the controls, his practice is simply work and he sets off to indulge his flying aspirations with many thouroughly enjoyable tales. The book is at times exciting, sad, and even romantic (in an airman way).